The pristine wall of the VIP ward stretched far and wide, and the facilities here were something that couldn't be found in the regular wards. Each patient had a general care nurse and special nurses who attended to the patient throughout the day.Antonio sat beside Michele's bed, his eyes looking solemn and damp, as he counted every shallow breath that his brother made.''Next two weeks is your birthday, little one,'' Antonio murmured, his hands locked in Michele's right hand.Michele's skin looked pale, a testament to his harrowing condition, and his palm felt cold in Antonio's grip.''You know, just like we always did, celebrate your birthday on Christmas Eve, go hiking, enjoy all those sumptuous meals…''A frail smile that carried gloom rather than happiness mustered on Antonio's face, as felt a stabbing pain in his chest.''You still love the taste of my burritos, right? Because Big Brother is the best burrito maker, huh?'' Antonio giggled, his eyes not letting go of the unconscio
Antonio zoomed across the secluded road of Eastern Southville City, his eyes dancing across the roadsides, enjoying the picturesque view, the small hills covered in snow, woods, stretching far in the distance, and icy vistas.He was headed to La Roche Manor Estate, which was NO789, Royal height district. The district enjoyed tranquillity and a serene environment, far away from the boisterous Urban Way, and other prominent cities that bustled with life.Living in this city itself screamed status and luxury, as it accommodated the elites and their ostentatious assets.Next to the Royal Height district was the Presidential district, where the presidential villa, Black Cliff, was located.These two districts stood as the only place where no gangs or Mafia organizations could settle. The security level here was astonishing, and unless push came to shove necessary, even the dynasties would not like to meddle in the affairs of these two places.As Antonio neared his destination, he slowed do
''Ahem.'' Caleb coughed, attracting the attention of others, as he mustered a wry smile to ease the tension. He gave both Antonio and Lukas a knowing look and nodded his head.''I welcome you all, ladies and gentlemen, to my little abode.'' Caleb's low-pitched voice resounded across the room, grabbing the hearts of everyone present.'Little abode, huh?' The guests laughed inwardly, astonished by Caleb's humble demeanour, even though they all knew it was nothing but a façade.Contrary to his minimalist aura, Caleb did have a stupefying identity as the son-in-law to the president of the States. But that was the less awe striking identity that he pronounced to the outside world. Those who knew him knew his other identity that left others not to trespass their boundaries. Even the current Antonio would have to give him the basic courtesy, as the tradition demanded.''So I believe we're all familiar with each other except for some new faces.'' Caleb smiled, gaining others' approval.''To t
''45 per cent shares with 3.5 per cent equity from the space business, at 25 per cent increase in the stock exchange rate, open for a single investor.'' Enrico's eyes moved across the room, meeting different gazes.Hearing this made others frown, Enrico had pointed out that he would only be selling his shares to one investor, meaning that the person with the highest bid, and most favourable terms would get the investment. All of them appeared calm, sipping the contents from their wine cups, their eyes observing the countenance and body language of others.Jasmine appeared to be the most restless, owing to the fact that she couldn't compare with these innate tycoons. However, Antonio was rather surprised by her shrewdness.'Trying to look stupid in front of others to gain the most benefits? Tsk, not as foolish as I thought.' Antonio laughed inwardly.Among everyone present here, he knew Jasmine the best. Even though she stabbed him from the back when he least expected it, they had bee
''50% of the shares, for 62 billion dollars, and 8% equity from the space investment… likewise, a tacit full protection, and corporation without meddling with your personal affairs.'' Antonio's words cut through everyone's mind like a hot blade.Lily couldn't help but shudder, hearing his bold declaration. She subtly glanced at him, wondering what had changed in the young man she used to know.Offering full protection, right when Caleb had just made his standing clear, wasn't a simple situation.'Did he just shut Caleb back?' Lukas's heart stirred.The others in the hall paused whatever they were doing, some still having their wine cups hanging in their hands, as they all shifted their attention to Antonio, each eye bearing mixed emotions.''Full protection?'' Enrico questioned, his eyes narrowing in doubt.Even though Antonio had gone for a higher percentage of shares and equity, the offers in return were just too alluring, so attractive that the businessman in Enrico couldn't help b
''Aren't you afraid of retaliation?'' Enrico asked, his eyes knitting with worry.''I mean… you just got back from-''''Prison? Yes, and thanks for reminding me about that.'' Antonio cut him off.''I didn't mean it that way,'' Enrico sucked his lips.It had been two hours since the end of the dinner, as it was cancelled halfway through. No one had the mood to dine or bring up further deals after the momentary face off by Antonio and Caleb.Hence, they all scattered after a few exchanges of pleasantries, leaving the private estate in a dead silence.Afterwards, Antonio headed for a high-class restaurant in his gang's territory, having the place just for himself for tonight's meeting.Snipers and gunmen stood at strategic places, and even while he drove to the private estate, he had protection from snipers who could shoot a couple of kilometres away.Enrico didn't immediately follow him. He went to his mansion first, and from there, he used the subway in the slum to head to the address
''Since when did you notice?'' Gaspar laughed, extricating himself from the dark passage in the restaurant.''Since you started railing me from the private estate.'' Antonio bit the sizzling pork meat, his back, facing Gaspar, who drew in closer.''Well, I must say you're quite efficient, nothing short of the new ruler of a Mafia Dynasty.'' The tall frame of Gaspar came into light, as he dragged a chair and sat opposite Antonio.Silence enveloped the dimly lit restaurant as Gaspar watched Antonio munch on the juicy meat. Both of them didn't say anything for a few minutes, until Gaspar eventually broke the lingering silence with a cough.''I didn't expect you to go against Caleb that quickly, knowing fully well the one behind him.'' Gaspar's eyes turned solemn, his earlier cheeky expression now gone, replaced by a firm gaze.The fork in Antonio's left hand hung mid-air, his eyes looking distant before momentarily sighing.''What do you take the Lorenzo Empire for?'' Antonio snickered.
The Special Bureau of Intelligence, SBI stood as the most powerful multinational intelligence and security agency that worked at the global level, fending off the encroaching power of the Mafia Dynasties, as it kept the fragile balance in the world.The SBI operated in almost all countries, and its prowess as the only organization that could rival the Mafia organizations wasn't to be trifled with.Just like one would expect, SBI had many agents that worked for it. From the undercover agents to the trained fighters, and the myriad of special forces, and battalions.SBI wasn't just limited to security and combat forces, it also had different research facilities across the world at strategic places, including nuclear plants, bioweapon research, and even research facilities related to space.No one knew where the headquarters of SBI was located. At least that information was oblivious to its agents.Inside a large submarine base, in the depths of the sea, one could see different SBI agent
Antonio watched as Alessio and Jasmin got tossed out of his mansion like dirty rags. His eyes, hiding dozens of thoughts that spammed his head.''Hey, Elvie.'' He spoke into the phone as he headed back to his bedroom.''Baby.'' Elvie's high-pitched voice that beamed with excitement rang in Antonio's ears.However, his expression didn't drop, his face remained placid, already accustomed to Elvie's crazed behaviour.''What do you think of parking some billions of dollars in one sweep,'' Antonio smirked, an evil grin plastered on his face.''I can't see you right now, but I can guess the fiendish look on your face, he-he.'' Elvie giggled. ''So tell me, who got in your black book this time around?'' ''Long clients who had stayed in my black book for way too long, and now need to be dealt with.'' Antonio shrugged, sipping from the cup of espresso in his left hand.''Uh, you mean…''''Yes.'' Antonio nodded.''Everything is yours, not interested in what I've left in the past anyway.'' He em
''Sir, some people are seeking your audience outside.'' A maidservant in a brown gown and a furry coat announced, staying outside Antonio's bedroom.''Who are they?'' Antonio asked, his body curled up in bed.''One Mr and Mrs Lopez.'' The maidservant answered with a bow, even though Antonio couldn't see her from the inside.''Lopez?'' Antonio knitted his eyes, his face momentarily flaming up before bursting into soft laughter.''Fine…'' He twisted his waist, still on the bed. ''Let them wait at the courtyard.''''Yes sir.'' The maidservant replied with another bow, before walking away.Inside the bedroom, Antonio revealed a mischievous grin, smacking his lips in amusement.'So Alessio and Jasmin are finally here?' He thought, smirking.A few days had passed since he contacted Adams. A few days of peace and silence when he didn't have to bother about anything urgently. He knew that Alessio and Jasmin at some point would come back to him, and he had been staying indoors in patience, wa
The warm incandescence that shone from the chandelier filled the large room with colours, a stark contrast to the gloomy greyish atmosphere outside.Jasmine paced from one corner of the room to another, her fists clenched, as she let out low curses occasionally.''They still won't explain the reason for their abrupt contract termination, huh?'' she shrieked.''Calm down woman,'' Alessio muttered from one corner of the room, as his fingers swiped across the keyboards.Their business had been flourishing as they expected, until their contractors and major suppliers sent an email this morning, informing them on how they'd not be able to continue business with them.Yet, all their efforts to get back to them have all proven useless. ''What do you think will happen?'' Jasmin asked, her fingers clutching her black bodycon.''I have no idea.'' Alessio furrowed his eyes, his gaze still on the screen.''D-do you think we should sell the business, and you know…'' Jasmin murmured, dragging her
The hot water from the shower drizzled down Antonio's body, relaxing every timy muscles in his body.Turning off the knob, he grabbed his towel, leaving the bathroom which exploded quth steam as he entered the master room.He had returned to his mansion here in the States, and he couldn't wait to have some cozy moments to himself.'What a hectic life are we living.' Anyone sighed, changing into a thick,white pyjamas before sinking into the bed.Right now, all he wanted was sleep, as every part of him screamed fatigue, and since he didn't haveany matter lf urgency at tge moment, he might as well sleep like a free man.'Um, well… in a real sense I'm a free man.' Antonolet out a wry smile,his eye lids already gumming to each other.However, in the middle of his grogginess, his phone buzzed which made him hiss.'Who again?' He murmured with his eyes closed while crawling on the bed.Repeating whether he should check the phone now or just drop everything and have a peaceful sleep, Antonio
The call ended with a beep as Antonio slid the phone back to his pocket.Phew.He sighed, his head tilted to the right as his eyes gazed through the window lost in thought.Silence enveloped him and the driver, the occasional horns, breaking the solemm mood.Antonio had not dropped his phone for more than a few seconds when Elvie's call came in, making him narrow his eyes, knowing that he wasn't expecting her call today.''Baby.'' Her shrikked voice ramg in his ears, making him contort his face.''What is it?'' he asked, ignoring Elvie's antics.''Hmph… can't I call because I miss your voice?'' she asked, making a fake angry tone.''Elvie what is it.'' Antonio snapped, his forehead creasing in annoyance.The conversation with Diego had already made him on edge, and her antics just felt overly jarring right now.Realizing that Antonio was probably not in the mood for some random chit chat, Elvie also fell silent, letting out a soft aigh before proceeding to speak.''I detected a malwar
The beautiful snow that came with sunset fell on Antonio's boots, and grey tuxedo, as he stepped outside of the hideout.His eyes looked into the distance, lost in reverie, as he recalled some lf the things that teanspired these past few days.As he walked towards his car, the man that came with him tagged along, opening the umbrella to shield Antonio but the kattwr waved his hand, gesturing for him to not bother.Tap!Tap!Antonio's boots sank in the snow filked ground, allowing the cold breeze to hraze his skin, alomg with the dryness of winter that rushed through his nostrils.Nearing a few inches away from the black limousine, the back door opened automatically, allowing him to enter, sinking into the back seat.Closing the door, his bodyguard entered the front seat, igniting the cat as he pressed the accelerator, speeding off the snowy road.Ring!Antonio's personal line buzzed,making him narrow his eyes, knowing that only few people had access to it.Glancing at the screen, the
''Argh.'' Agent Mike screamed, as an electric current zap through his body.His two hands were tied to a long metal bar, leaving his body dangling in mid air.Splash!The man in a bear mask drenched him in cold water as he proceeded to turn on the switch, making Alex let out an agonizing rooar.''I'd love to see how much you can continue with this stubbornness of yours.'' An icy, hoarse voice echoed in the dark room.''Who sent you here?'' The man in a bear mask asked one more time.However…Twat.Agent mike spat on his face, revealing a mocking grin.''Go rot in ya mama ass.'' He laughed, choking on his own blood and saliva.Feeling the spit land on his mask, the man gritted his teeth, as he suppressed the burning emotion that threatened to erupt out of him.Bam!The man's fist landed on Agent Mike's face, pushing it to the left, and before his head could regain its balance, he used his left fist to send the head back to its initial position.''Tsk.'' The man clicked his tongue, his
A black submarine rose from underneath the sea, as it floated to the shore coming to a stop.A few moments later, Antonio alighted from the submarine, his feet touching the soft, cold, sand at the beach.Drawing a long breath, his gaze swept across the isolated island where he hid his brother to receive his treatment.He had not been in touch that much since the network here required special rpiter to gain access, amd it wasn't always available.Hence, after he left the other island where he was supposed to meet the lawyer amd Gaspar, he had rushed here, the safest and nearest abode in his disposal.Yet, before his arrival, he received a mews that left his mouth agape.Through the special communication network that he exchange with Leonardo, he received news that one of his base im the States had been attacked.As for who the attackers were amd the reason for their actions, he had yet to find out.''Boss, you're welcome.'' His men greeted him, all of them bowling in a full swing motio
''Careful.'' Raymond muttered, his eyes squinting in doubts.''Well… I guess it's safe.'' Jexter shrugged, ignoring Raymond's warning.Creak!Jexter tried to turn the knob on the safe, but it only turned in a 360⁰ without unlocking the mini door attached to the safe.''Phew, just as expected.'' Jexter murmured, his eyes not revealing any emotions under the black mask.Pulling out a flat device from his pocket, he pressed the button, seeing the device come to live as it shone a red light from the base.Positioning the red light to the door knobof the safe, Jexter waited for the device to finish scanning the encryption on the knob, before sending it to his boss, the man in SBI.Beep! Beep!The device kept beeping as it continued reading the encrypted codes, sending it back as electronic signals to the IT experts under the nose of the operation overseer.As they stood in silence, the upper floor rumbled, drifting thwir attention upward, but everything soon became quiet.''Time is agains